Henri C Romieux's life after "The War" ~ 25 April 1945 - 8 March 1980

From the 1922 Zenith yearbook, Central High School, Duluth, Minnesota

Henri C Romieux, was born 23 January, 1904 Superior, Wisconsin, the last of three children. His father, Julien taught high school French and Spanish. Julien immigrated to the US  leaving from Bordeaux, France on 1 May 1889.  He became a naturalized citizen 6 Aug 1898. 

His mother, Delphine was born in Quebec, Canada.  Delphine and Julien were married 21 July 1890 in Saint-Felix-De-Kingsey, Quebec, Canada.

Henri enlisted in the Navy on 20 December 1941 when he was 37 years old.  He was released honorably from service on 26 September 1945 at the age of 42, five months after he wrote his last  "Letter to Mary." 

He returned to Minnesota after the war and was employed by Cargill, Inc in their Cargo Carriers Division.

Henri was abducted in 1957 as reported in The Austin Daily Herald, and The Tuscon Daily Citizen. The article below must have been syndicated as it appeared in several remote states papers with slightly different versions.

Herve John Romieux and his brother on the right Henri C Romieux

14 Nov. 1957 – The Austin Daily Herald   “Pair Hunted in North Dakota”  Mill City man tells of kidnapping.  Dickenson, ND

North Dakota lawmen today hunted for two men a Minneapolis businessman said kidnapped and took him on a wild, three state ride.  Henri Romieux, 54, assistant secretary of Cargo Carriers, a Cargill, Inc. subsidiary walked into the Dickenson police station Wednesday and nervously told a story that began after he left a movie in downtown Minneapolis Tuesday night.  Forced into car Romieux said his abductors, one about 23 and the other about 40, forced him into his 1957 model car, then drove west to Willmar, MN.  There, he said, they took $ 20.00 from him and used some of it to buy gasoline.  Romieux said the nighttime ride took them over some highways, some side roads and at speeds occasionally over 100 mph.  Phoned home when they reached Bowdley, SD Wednesday morning.  Romieux said abductors became rough and threatening.

The Tuscon Daily Citizen Reported the account on 14 November as follows:

Gunmen Kidnap Insurance Man - DICKINSON, N. D.
A Minneapolis businessman said today he believed two men who kidnapped him at gunpoint and dumped him near here were bent on robbery and car theft. Henry C. Romieux, 55, insurance manager of Cargill Elevators in Minneapolis, said the abductors jabbed a gun in his ribs Tuesday night when he emerged from a Minneapolis theater and got into his car. They drove an erratic course westward across three states at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour at times and freed him yesterday afternoon when the car ran out of gasoline east of Sentine' Butte, N.D. Romieux described the gunmen as about 25 and 40 years old. He said they robbed him of about $20 all the cash he had with him, but generally treated him well. At one point yesterday, Romieux said, the soft-spoken abductors stopped at a service station in Bowdle, S.D., so he could telephone a nurse in Minneapolis who cares for his aged mother to assure her he was all right. The abduction of Romieux, a bachelor, was not discovered until he walked into police headquarters at Dickinson late yesterday and related his harrowing experience. Authorities at first investigated, the possibility that one of the abductors might have been wanted for killing two policemen in North Carolina. However, a description of the killer sent police here did not match either of the two kidnapers. Romieux said the two men demanded all his money and used the $20 he turned over to them to buy gasoline. He said he believed the gunmen wanted only his car to flee the Minneapolis area and his money. After freeing him, Romieux said, the men thumbed a ride in a car leading east and left him standing on the highway. 

Henri was one of three brothers:

Charles J. Romieux  Born 1897, the first of Henri's brothers passed away in 1957

Charles was a Sales Manager for American Cyanamid Co., Plastics and Resins Division.  He was a member of Harvard Class of 1919.  He has several US patents for plastic technology.  He lived in quite a few places in the US:  Elizabeth Union, NJ; Scarsdale, NY, Rochester, NY; and Philadelphia.  He also traveled to many foreign locations.  
In fact, he died in Brussels, Belgium in a hotel of a heart attack. 
Charles was buried 17 April 1957, age 60, in Holy Sepulchre  Cemetary, Rochester, NY

Herve John Romieux (aka Harry)Born 4 October 1900, the second of Henri's brothers passed away in 1967 

He attended the State Normal School, Duluth was in his third year 1910-1911. He served in WWI.
Died: 1967, Amhurst, VA (Monroe Co.) Buried: Holy Cross Cemetery, Lynchburg, VA His relatives migrated to NC.

Henri's Mother, Delphine B. Prince Romieux, passed away on 29 of October 1958 in Hennepin County, Minnesota at the age of 86.

Henri's Father,  Julien M. Romieux, passed away on 29 Mar. 1937 in St. Louis County, Minnesota, at the age of 73.
 

Henri's passing was the last of the three children born to Julien and Delphine Romieux. 
He passed away at the age of 76 on 8 March 1980 in Ramsey County, Minnesota and was buried in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minnesota. 

Henri died a bachelor.  
Henri had no children. 
Henri never married Mary.

*A substantial amount of the information in this blog post on Henri C Romieux and the Romieux family was researched as I was posting the "Letters to Mary" blogs and provided by my sister Carol Ann Garner Clements.

Carol's research led her to contact Marilyn, a daughter of Herve John Romieux. Marilyn shared with Carol a few memories of her Uncle Henry. 

Marilyn, now 80,  wrote in an e-mail dated February 24, 2014.........
"It is good to think of my dear uncle ..........

Herve John Romieux and his brother on the right Henri C Romieux
Images courtesy of Joesph K Freeman (grand nephew of Henri C Romieux)

Henri never married.  When my grandmother (Delphine Romieux) could no longer take care of herself, he maintained a home for them in Minneapolis until her death.  It was during this time that his abduction took place. Henri was a darling.  He was always upbeat and visited our family in Virginia annually during his later years.  We all loved him.  I have five children and they remember him well, especially the youngest.  Before retirement, Henri worked for Cargill and I think he was in the insurance end of things."  

Letter #83 from Henri C Romieux 25 April 1945

John Land loaded cargo and supplies in the anchorage at Ulithi until 5 March 1945, when she got underway with Task Unit 12.6.1. The ships sailed north and west to Iwo Jima, arriving off that island four days later. After waiting in the transport holding area for nine days she discharged cargo on 19-20 March, a task that took longer than expected owing to heavy seas. The ship then loaded elements of the 5th Marine Division, comprising 1,148 officers and men, between 21-26 March before sailing for Hawaii two days later. Arriving at Hilo, via Eniwetok and Pearl Harbor, on 15 April, the ship disembarked her passengers before sailing east the next day, arriving in San Francisco on the 22d.

The transport shifted to Oakland two days later, where John Land received an overhaul at Moore Drydock & Shipbuilding Co., through 22 June 1945. Over the next week the ship took on 1,469 U.S. Army troops for transport to the war zone. The Navy crew quickly discovered the disorganized nature of their passengers when no cooks or bakers appeared to provide meals for the Army replacements. The ten Navy cooks were hard pressed to pick up the slack, a tense situation made worde by the rumor that the Army replacements were actually paroled prisoners, free only because they'd volunteered for war service. Despite the resulting friction, the transport carried the troops to the Philippines, via Pearl Harbor, Eniwetok and Ulithi, without incident, arriving in Manila on 26 July. With passengers and cargo unloaded by 3 August, the transport embarked 187 mostly Navy passengers and sailed for Hawaii, mooring in Pearl harbor on 17 August, two days after the Japanese armistice.

After provisioning, loading cargo and embarking 963 soldiers from the 98th Regiment, U.S. Army, from Hickam Field wharf, John Land sailed for Japan on 7 September 1945, arriving at Wakayama, via Saipan, on 27 September. With the troops disembarked two days later, John Land immediately began Operation "Magic Carpet" duties, loading some of the hundreds of thousands of Pacific veterans headed home to the United States. With some 1,733 passengers embarked at both Wakayama and Guam, the transport sailed for home with all possible speed, arriving at San Pedro on 21 October. She sailed again seven days later, this time loaded with 1,006 Construction Battalion (Seabees) troops, who were brought to Guam on 12 November. Taking on 1,828 passengers at Tinian on the 15th, she sailed home for the last time the following day, arriving in San Francisco on 29 November.

John Land made three more "Magic-Carpet" voyages to the western Pacific over the next six months. The first, begun 14 December 1945 when she sailed for Noumea took her to the South Pacific, where she found no passengers available, before moving on to Manila to pick up troops on 15 January 1946. She returned to San Francisco on 16 February. Her second voyage took place between 15 March, when she sailed for Manila, and 28 April upon her return to San Francisco. She repeated that round trip again between 8 May and 21 June.

John Land (AP-167) at San Francisco c. 1945-46, her decks full of returning servicemen.
Released from service by the Naval Transportation Service that same day, John Land sailed to Seattle, Washington, arriving there on 5 July. She was decommissioned at Seattle on 5 August and was returned to the Maritime Commission the next day. Eventually sold to Waterman Steamship Co., where she served in merchant service as Jeff Davis, the ship underwent various changes of name and ownership (sold and renamed Sea Comet II in 1953; sold to Grace Lines in 1957 and renamed Santa Regina; sold in 1961 and renamed African Gulf; sold to Liberty Navigation in 1963 and renamed Norberto Capay) before finally sold for scrap in 1968 as part of bankruptcy proceedings.

John Land received five battle stars for World War II service.

---

This is the last "Letter to Mary" from Henri C Romieux.
There will be a subsequent post to share what we have come to know of Henri's life after 25 April 1945. 

H. Romieux
2269 So. Rockford
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mary Garner, SK1c USNR
U.S. Naval Air Station
Wold-Chamberlain Field
Minnesota, Minneapolis
c/o Supply Office 

25 April
San Francisco

Hello Mary,

Well I know you will be surprised to know I am back in Frisco. Yes the old ship finally had to come back for repairs and it really needed them. As a matter of fact we just made it - as our engines went completely dead at anchor in the Bay and we had to have a couple of tugs tow us in to dry dock in Oakland.

Will no doubt be here for quite a spell but it does not look like we will have enough leave for me to get to Minneapolis, so will no doubt spend the five days around Southern California where I know a few people. Too bad it could not be a couple weeks at least.
But never the less it feels as good to be back in the good old USA again. Really- I hardly know how to act. Had myself a steak dinner tonite and it tasted good- also a nice head of lettuce salad. The first lettuce in 8 months. 

Frisco is cold as usual and really quite a change from the tropical heat. Stopped at Pearl for only ten hours then took a bunch of troops to their base on the Island of Hawaii.

Oh yes- I wear four ribbons with five stars as follows, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 3-stars, Laipan-Tinian; Pulan and Phillipines. The American theatre ribbon and Special Liberation of the Phillipines with 2 stars and then the good conduct ribbon and a Hash Mark or as we call it a "stupidity mark". So really you should see little me so dressed up.

I think I told you - we took part in the Invasion at Leyete and the Lingayenn at Luzon- then Mindoro. Then we were suppose to leave for the U.S.A. the middle of February, but got as far as Ulithi and after staying there ten days- we took off empty of troops for Iwo Jima to pick up the 5th Marines and take them back to Pearl. Poor fellows there was not much of them left- almost all killed off so we had a small load of troops and had to wait there two weeks for them to finish taking the damn island. 

So now dear you know a little more of where I have been of course I am violating censorship regulations by writing and posting this ashore. Therefore I am putting my brothers address for return.
Will write more later dear and please take good care of yourself and write soon- same address as before.

Love—Henri

Please excuse the horrible scribble but am writing this at the USO and it is so noisy I can't even think and besides this pen is awful-worse than my own.
H

Letter #74 from Henri C Romieux 1 April 1945

Again assigned to Admiral Barbey's assault force, the troop ship USS John Land steamed to Aitape, New Guinea, where she loaded elements of the 3d Battalion Landing Team, 172d Infantry Regiment, 43d Division, U.S. Army. Getting underway on 28 December 1944, John Land rendezvoused with other warships in Leyte Gulf and proceeded through the Philippines to Lingayan Gulf. While en route, her crew witnessed a Japanese fighter splashed by ship gunfire at 1822 on 7 January 1945 and, later that evening, heard over the radio net as three American destroyers sank Japanese destroyer Hinoki some 15 miles to starboard. The transport arrived off the San Fabian beaches on the morning of 9 January and quickly debarked her troops in LCMs and LCVPs. In the afternoon she anchored 7,000 yards offshore to more quickly unload cargo, completing that task the following day. She remained there, proving boat services as well as refueling small craft, until returning to Leyte Gulf on the 13th. After provisioning, John Land sailed south to Biak, New Guinea, where she embarked elements of the 41st Division, U.S. Army, between 23-31 January. At sea on 2 February, the troop ship sailed to Mangarin Bay, Mindoro, where all passengers and cargo went ashore on the 9th. She then steamed to Leyte Gulf to unload excess stores, and transfer her port anchor and 90 fathoms of chain to Starlight (AP-175), before sailing east to Ulithi, arriving there on 18 February.
 
April 1, 1945 The final amphibious landing of the war occurs as the U.S. Tenth Army invades Okinawa.

Henri C. Romieux, SK1c, V-6 USNR
USS John Land (AP-167)
C/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Mary Garner, SK2c, USNR
C/o U.S. Naval Air Station
Wold-Chamberlain Field
Minneapolis, Minnesota
"Supply Office" 

Somewhere at Sea
1 April 1945

Mary dear,

Please again excuse the long delay in my writing to you but really it could not be helped, cause the letter would not have gotten off anyway.

There actually is not much to write about. I have not had a bit of mail for almost six weeks now so I can't even answer questions you may have asked me.

The last letter I had from my Mother she said she would likely leave Montreal the first of March- stop a short time at her nieces in Ontario and then go to Minneapolis for a visit with my Aunt that lives in St Paul. After that she figured on going to Tulsa to stay with my brother for a couple of months. 

Had a quiet Easter Sunday today. We have a Catholic Priest for a Chaplain- so had high mass this afternoon- which really was a nice ceremony and very well attended. Outside of that I spent the balance of the day sleeping and reading mystery stories of which I have become quite fond of reading lately.

Well dear I suppose it is just about getting nice weather back home. How I wish I was there with you at this moment. Well some of these days may be near the end of the year that may be a fact.
Well have to say goodbye for today- what do you hear from your brother in France? 
Write soon and keep your chin up.

Loads of love Henri

Letter #71 from Henri C Romieux 3 March 1945

March 2, 1945 U.S. airborne troops recapture Corregidor in the Phillipines.
John Land loaded cargo and supplies in the anchorage at Ulithi until 5 March 1945, when she got underway with Task Unit 12.6.1.

Henri C. Romieux, Sk1c V-6 USNR
USS JOHN LAND (AP-167)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

Mary Garner, SK2c USNR
Supply Office
U.S. Naval Air Station
Wold Chamberlain Field
Minneapolis, Minnesota

3 March 1945

Mary Dear,

I do hope you will excuse the long lapse in my correspondence. But I assure you it was not caused by my lack of thinking about you but was just impossible for me to write and I hope you will understand.

Now to begin with- thanks lots - for the nice Valentine and sentiment that went with it. Have just finished reading your letters of February 11 and 14 for about the fifth time at least. Yes dream on about the spring time but for me I would gladly take of that good old Minnesota sub-zero winter as against this heat out here. 

The jungles were never meant for me-(my pen just went dry so please excuse me while I fill it) Yes indeed it sure would be nice to be at home now- you and Mother and me at a good old "dinner at home" and listening to the radio and arguing over the various usual happenings at home. Sounds almost too good to ever be true.
You know I am surprised you don't keep all those awful letters all tied up in pink ribbons (not really tho- I no doubt would be if you did)- no kidding did you really dig out the old ones and read them over? 

You dear old sentimentalist. You know I guess I am just too matter of fact. No if some sound lonesome it is no fault of yours- just the general atmosphere out here being so far from those you like the most. (Yes at that its your fault that way) Your guess is almost correct if you remember what you said in your letter of the 14th. But the guess about going home I guess is a long way off. Could happen maybe next fall or late summer. Yes that party was the first of April I believe. Yes I am laughing anyway- only fifteen times wrong - OK well you no doubt will be right nice before I get there.
Well dear, I guess this is enough of this foolishness and I had better start saying good nite. Thanks heaps for your letters- really I don't know what I would do if they were not to continue. Not much in the way of news I can talk about today. 

All is well and I am really in a good mood lately.

Good nite - dear and love- Henri

Letter #61 from Henri C Romieux 20 January 1945

January 11, 1945 Air raid against Japanese bases in Indochina by U.S. carrier-based planes. 

Henri C. Romieux, SK1c V-6 USNR
USS JOHN LAND (AP-167)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

MARY GARNER SK2c USNR
C/o Supply Office
WOLD-CHAMBERLAIN FIELD
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 

20 January 1945

Mary dear,

Guess what? I just today received that nice Christmas present. Really it pleased me very much and is a good picture of you I think. You know now I have it before me on my desk here as I am writing to you and you have no idea how it has hiked up my morale. Thanks a lot, you sure had me curious as to what it could be, and not a thing could have given me more pleasure. Now that makes two Christmas presents I have received so far, the other was a book from a Chum of mine in Minneapolis, "Barbary Coast". Not a new title but I found it quite interesting especially after spending the time I did in Frisco.

Is it not strange that I have not received the letter you intended for your brother, wonder where it could have gotten to.
You know I'll let you know if I get it. Had I his address I would send it direct to him upon receipt. I bet he got a big kick out of that mix up.

Sorry to hear you don't think you made out so good in your exam for SK1c but take it from me, the SK2c is much better off the best rate in the Navy. You know I would not give a damn if sometime soon I was busted to that because at least it would give me something to look forward to again in rates as CSK aboard this ship seems to be absolutely out for me, and besides I'm not too anxious to get it. Very few advantages and many draw backs. 

Well dear the censor says that now it can be told that we visited the Japs at Lingayen Gulf, so yours truly has another star in his campaign bar. The way I figure it that makes five stars so far we are entitled to. Not bad eh, for such a short time out? Well dear that's enough egotism for a long time, so will say good nite and thanks for the present.

Please excuse the scribble of a signature but my pen just went dry I guess or something.

Love- Henri

Letter #60 from Henri C Romieux 16 January 1945

January 3, 1945 General MacArthur is placed in command of all U.S. ground forces and Admiral Nimitz in command of all naval forces in preparation for planned assaults against Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Japan.
January 9, 1945 U.S. Sixth Army invades Lingayen Gulf on Luzon in the Phillipines.

Henri C. Romieux, SK1c V-6 USNR
USS JOHN LAND AP-167
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Francisco, Calif.

MARY GARNER, SK2c
C/o SUPPLY OFFICE
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION
WOLD-CHAMBERLAIN FIELD
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

16 January, 1945

Mary Dear,

Again just a few lines in a hurry just to let you know all is fine by me. Have received no mail for quite a while now so that makes it difficult to write - because I can't even have your questions to answer. So far I have received one Christmas package - a good book - "Barbary Coast" from a chum of mine in Minneapolis - But then I have something to look forward to - just think of all the mail I'll have all at one time- maybe.

Well, dear I suppose by now you have been home and are back to the old grind again. I sure am anxious to hear all about the vacation.
Did I tell you that our Supply Officer was finally relieved- ha had had his orders a long long time ago. Believe we are lucky because the new one seems to be a swell fellow too and quite easy to get on with.
I have lots to say but I guess it will have to keep for a while anyway.
Please excuse the pencil- but I am down in one of the storerooms writing this and the movie is going on just a deck above- so I can't go thru and get my pen. Oh yes we have movies most every nite in the hero's mess hall, but I seldom go- You know I never was a movie hound anyway.

Mary I think of you a lot and hope we can see each other again soon. keep your chin up and write often-please-

Love Henri

No I did not get that letter you intended for your brother, but I am looking forward to it.

Letter #55 from Henri C Romieux 20 December 1944

Henri Romieux, SK1c USNR
USS JOHN LAND AP-167
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Francisco, Calif.

Mary Garner, SK2c, USNR
SUPPLY DEPARTMENT
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION
WOLD-CHAMBERLAIN FIELD
MINNEAPOLIS, 6, MINNESOTA 

20 DECEMBER 1944

Mary Dear,

Just received your letter of December 5th and as you well know was most happy to hear from you. No really I am not tired of your chatter about you plans for the holidays, so please, don't stop, but keep more of the same coming my way. I am anxious to hear all about your trip home and what you did while there, so don't disappoint me now and be sure and let me hear all about it. 

No such luck as my being back to go East with you but keep on dreaming, maybe some time it can all happen—who knows.
Had a letter from Mother in Quebec and she is all settled in her plans now and will spend the winter with her nephew in Montreal. She seems quiet happy again and if only she didn't worry too much about yours truly, she will be okay I know for the winter at least. She is really a wonderful old lady and I hope it will be possible for you to meet her sometime, cause I am sure you both would like each other much.
Please excuse the delay in answering your letters, but honestly it was not possible to write until this moment. As yet I have not received any of my packages. Some of the fellows got theirs recently so maybe mine will come in the next few days, I hope! 

Have you taken your exams for first class yet and when do you expect to be rated? As for me Chief is very far away and really I don't give a damn, cause I would almost as soon stay first and not have to put up with what I would have to in a higher rating and anyway. I expect to get out in a year, cause you know then I will be 42 and eligible for a discharge as I believe I have told you before. 

Just think today it makes three years I have been in this lash-up.

Well dear there is not much more to go on chattering about except to say all is fine by me and I hope I'll get to see you before more months roll by. Be sure and write soon and let me know all about Christmas.

Loads of Love- Henri

Letter #52 from Delphine Romieux 12 December 1944

December 17, 1944 the U.S. Army Air Force begins preparations for dropping the Atomic Bomb by establishing the 509th Composite Group to operate the B-29's that will deliver the bomb.

D. Romieux
442 Bonaventure St.
Three Rivers P.L. Canada

Mary Garner, Sk2c USNR
c/o Supply Office
U.S. Naval Air Station
Wold-Chamberlain Field
Minneapolis, Minnesota
U.S.A.

Three Rivers P.L.
December 12-1944

Dear Miss Garner,

I received a letter from Henri a few days ago asking me to choose a little Christmas gift for you which I would be very glad to do but I was told you would have duty to pay, so I thought best to send you the money order. I certainly appreciate your kindness to Henri and hope to have the pleasure to make your acquaintance before too long a time.

My best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sincerely, 
Delphine Romieux

Letter #51 from Henri C Romieux 29 November 1944

 There were no words written by Henri on this V---Mail

H. Romieux, Sk1c USNR
USS JOHN LAND
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
29 November, 1944
WAR & NAVY
DEPARTMENTS
V-MAIL SERVICE
———————————-
OFFICIAL BUSINESS

Mary Garner, SK2c USNR
SUPPLY DEPARTMENT
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Letter #50 from Henri C Romieux 4 December 1944

John Land began Operation "Magic Carpet" duties, loading some of the hundreds of thousands of Pacific veterans headed home to the United States. With some 1,733 passengers embarked at both Wakayama and Guam, the transport sailed for home with all possible speed, arriving at San Pedro on 21 October. She sailed again seven days later, this time loaded with 1,006 Construction Battalion (Seabees) troops, who were brought to Guam on 12 November. Taking on 1,828 passengers at Tinian on the 15th, she sailed home for the last time the following day, arriving in San Francisco on 29 November.

John Land made three more "Magic-Carpet" voyages to the western Pacific over the next six months. The first, begun 14 December 1945 when she sailed for Noumea took her to the South Pacific, where she found no passengers available, before moving on to Manila to pick up troops on 15 January 1946.

On December 15, 1944 U.S. troops invade Mindoro in the Philippines.

Henri Romieux, Sk1c USNR
USS JOHN LAND AP-167
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif

Mary Garner, Sk2c USNR
C/o Supply Office
U.S. Naval Air Station
Wold-Chamberlain Field
Minneapolis, 6, Minnesota 

4 December 1944

Mary Dear,

Not much of interest to write about but just a line to let you know all is fine by me. The new supply officer is taking over since the first of the month, so had a little more work than usual- but outside of that things have been going pretty easy. Really it is best to be busy as the time goes by more rapidly.

The mail service has not been so good the past couple of weeks - your last letter was dated 7 November - just think almost a month ago. And I have not heard from Mother since the later part of October- oh well- some, one of these days I will really have lots of it from you all.

This is the rainy season in these parts now so it has been quite comfortable - days are hot but nites quite cool - as a matter of fact I had a blanket over me last night and was none to warm. It really feels good after all the hot weather we have been in.

Well dear its hard to believe tho that it is so near Christmas - just don't seem right for some reason. Hope you have a nice trip home and a real good time. Be sure and write and let me know all about it. What do you hear from your brother in Europe?
Goodbye for tonight, will write more shortly-

Lots of love- Henri

Letter #47 from Henri C Romieux 22 November 1944

Again assigned to Admiral Barbey's assault force, the troop ship steamed to Aitape, New Guinea, where she loaded elements of the 3d Battalion Landing Team, 172d Infantry Regiment, 43d Division, U.S. Army. Getting underway on 28 December 1944, John Land rendezvoused with other warships in Leyte Gulf and proceeded through the Philippines to Lingayan Gulf.  (DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER 805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060)

H. Romieux, Sk2c USNR.
USS JOHN LAND
C/o Fleet P.O.
San Francisco, Calif

Mary Garner, SK2c USNR
C/o Supply Office
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION
Wold-Chamberlain Field
Minneapolis, Minnesota 

22 November 1944

Mary Dear,

Just received your letter and of course as usual was looking forward to it and am now happy again. And for your information and guidance I will tell you — that I am not going to worry about 'from that point of view' as you say, and what ever gives you the idea that I will ever want you to forget ma any way? I guess I at least will have something to say in that regard, or won't I?

Yes I too am damn glad the election is over and now maybe, the politicians will leave things alone and the war can go forward without them very nicely. Since in the service especially - I find politics in these days most disgusting to say the least. Would say more but I know it would never in the world pass these censors, so that will have to do for the present - but just you wait till this thing is over and the enlisted man can put some pressure on politics. (yes the enlisted women too, of course- I did not mean to slight you all.) 

Had a letter from Mother at the same time as yours too and she has been visiting my brother in Scarsdale, NY but by now is back in Ontario with her niece and believe she will stay there through the winter, which I believe is the best place for her and where she will be the happiest I know. 

Yes I can just see you doing the shopping for the baby things and getting a big kick out of it. So your mind is really made up and you don't plan to get out if you can in January - well if that's the way you feel that's the thing to do, otherwise you would not be content with yourself. You speaking of the first snowfall and I know you don't like it a bit - but I wish I was there as that is just what time of year I really do like in Minnesota - guess its just born in me, but I never could live where there is snow all year - I really like the cold too, if I don't have to stay out in it too long, of course.

No your guess is wrong about November, but I still have hopes before too long. Thanks for offering to get Mom something for Christmas, but as she is in Canada and there is always the nuisance of customs duty, I thought best to send her a money order which I did a week ago. 

Well dear, just in case you don't get any more of my mail till the holiday time - here is wishing you the Merriest Christmas of all and I hope you have a nice time with your folks at home. Keep those letters coming along - cause I just thrive on them - really -

Loads of love and then some,
                                        Henri

Letter #43 from Henri Romiuex 7 November 1944

Anchoring in San Pedro Bay on the 14th, her boats unloaded all troops by that afternoon and the transport retired to Manus, arriving there on 20 November.

H.C. Romieux, SK1c USNR
USS JOHN LAND
C.O Fleet P.O.
San Francisco, Calif

Mary Garner, SK2c, USNR
c/o Supply Office
U.S. Naval Air Station
Wold-Chamberlain Field
Minneapolis, Minnesota 

7 November 1944

Mary Dear,

Just received your letter which as usual was most welcome. No need to worry about the likes of me cause as you know I'm always fine and not a thing will happen to me. I appreciated your little narrative regarding the fifteen cows, and have come to the same conclusion as you — how about the cost of the cows? All sounds good though with but a few exceptions. The price of milk might drop by that time and only bring in $2.50. Then what would we do? And why the 25% discount by that time? Please let me hear further in this regard. Well at last, sounds to me like your working in an old folks home, or just about at any rate if that is what has become of the Naval Air Station. Sounds logical though. Do you plan to stay there or are you going to get transferred? Better stick around don't sound like such a bad place after all.

At long last the Navy Censors have become a little more lenient in what we can converse about now so here goes.- Have seen quite some of the Pacific by this time. We participated in the invasion of Saipan and Tinian. Have been on the Marshalls also Guadal Canal and New Hebridies. 

We also participated on the invasion of Palau and later on the Phillipines at Layete. So as you can plainly see, the war has progressed in a large way since yours truly took an active part in it, how about it? 

However in all my wanderings have not had a decent liberty, so might just as well be stuck on any one of these desolate places as far as that goes. These invasions are really like a picture show and hard to believe. One can just look out and see the battles going on step by step and still be almost an outsider in a way, or at least a spectator. Those capital ships of ours sure did throw in the works at Layete. It is hard to see how a single thing can survive after such a shelling.

Well dear you know I sure am getting homesick or something and hope that maybe some way or another I'll get back to good old U.S.A. for a little spell before too long. But at that I would not have missed all this for anything.

Will say good nite for this time and go get in my sack, as it's about that time.

Much Love
Henri

Forgot to tell you but we carried the Phillipine President and cabinet to Leyete also saw with my own eyes Doug. MacArthur go ashore.

Letter #41 from Henri Romieux 31 October 1944

After taking on additional stores and fuel, the troopship embarked troops from the 2d Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, U.S. Army, and got underway in formation for Leyte on 9 November 1944. On the night of October 13th the task group was attacked by a lone enemy aircraft, which dropped a torpedo that missed Catskill (AP-106) before the plane was splashed by anti-aircraft guns from multiple ships, including John Land.

 
H.C. Romieux, SK1c, USNR
USS JOHN LAND
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Mary Garner, SK2c, USNR
c/o Supply Department
U.S. Naval Air Station
Wold-Chamberlain Field
Minneapolis, Minnesota 

31 October 1944

Mary Dear, 

Just received your letter today and am sitting right down to answer it. Thanks for the clipping - yes that is about how stupid some of those things are and especially the people that are instructing, if you know what I mean. Now you have me all curious as to whats in the box - thanks a lot and I hope it gets here before long. Now about what you were betting on- I don't think it will ever happen aboard ship. Yes I have been eligible and recommended for a long time now but- you know our Brain twisting bureau has practically closed the chances, unless someone drops dead or gets discharged—there just ain't a chance. Yes its pretty disgusting, but about all that can be expected from such an outfit. Enough for that , now I guess you know.

From the sound of things that outfit of yours is sure undergoing changes. Yes I agree with you about Foreign Service, I don't think you would like it and if you have a chance to get out of the service in February, when your two years are up, I would not blame you for doing so—especially if your folks need you at home. What with your brother in the service — Uncle Sam has enough from one family, let them take some of those 4-F's to do your work.

As for me here all is fine. I guess I am lucky at that when I think of some of those fellows from the University stuck on some of those Pacific Islands — No I would never trade with them. Here the work is interesting and just enough to keep ones mind occupied. However if I ever get back to my old job in the Chamber of Commerce and have to do some real thinking fast and for myself I'll be lost, cause you just don't do such things in the Navy that's done by another chosen group-you know.

Well dear, I guess I had better say good nite for this time, as my mood don't seem too good. 
Write again soon and thanks.

Love and more love,
Henri

Letter #40 from Henri Romieux 29 October 1944

After anchoring in the transport area, the radio truck went ashore in an LCM while an LCVP embarked General MacArthur's party from Nashville (CL-43). At 1320, the LCVP, with Gen. MacArthur on board, came alongside for President Osmeña and his party, carrying them to the beaches for their historic radio broadcast to the Philippine people. At 1840 that evening, John Land departed for Hollandia, where she arrived 25 October. 

H.C. Romieux, SK1c, USNR
USS JOHN LAND
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

 

Mary Garner, SK2c, USNR.
C/o Supply Department
U.S. Naval Air Station,
Minneapolis, 6, Minnesota.

29 October 1944

Mary Dear,

Just received two of your letters. I can't understand why mine are so long in reaching you.
Sorry to hear you have been worrying about me-cause I am fine and there just is not anything to worry about. That Gabriel Hester always was sensational in his broadcasts-you surely know that by this time. If my Mother has been listening to him she sure must be in a fine state of worry. Poor thing, she gets excited so easily too.

Glad you enjoyed yourself at the football game and yes I remember- but wish I had been there so we could go together-believe it or not! For real sun-burn tho' you should get some of this sun here - it really is hot.

Your lucky to have your leave approved and able to get home for Christmas, and I know you will have a nice trip. By the way better make your reservations if you have not already. You no doubt know the Penna. railway man there - he is really quite accommodating - can't think of his name just now.

Well dear, don't you for a second ever think I don't enjoy those letters and keep looking forward for the next. 
Bye till later-

Love, Henri

Letter #38 from Henri Romieux 12 October 1944

During the first two weeks of October 1944, John Land loaded provisions as well as troops of the 24th Division, U.S. Army. The crew then secured a radio broadcasting truck on deck and, on the 13th, helped embark Phillippine President Sergio Osmeña and nine members of his cabinet and staff. Assigned to Admiral Barbey's Palo Attack Group, John Land sailed for the Philippines that same day, entering Leyte Gulf without incident on 20 October. After anchoring in the transport area, the radio truck went ashore in an LCM while an LCVP embarked General MacArthur's party from Nashville (CL-43). At 1320, the LCVP, with Gen. MacArthur on board, came alongside for President Osmeña and his party, carrying them to the beaches for their historic radio broadcast to the Philippine people. At 1840 that evening, John Land departed for Hollandia, where she arrived 25 October.

 

H. Romieux, SK1c USNR
USS JOHN LAND
c/o FPO, San Francisco
Mary Garner, SK2c, USNR
c/o Supply Department

U.S. Naval Air Station
Minneapolis, 6, Minnesota
12 October 1944

Mary Dear,

Just received two of your letters, and had just began to wonder if you had forgotten all about me. Glad to hear you finally had news from your brother in Belgium, you know I envy him quite a lot, at least they get to see some cities but here it is quite different. Really if I ever get back into civilization again I don't believe I'll know how to act.

So Hammond at last got his orders-wonder what kind of a ship he will get. Yes you don't know but what you may have missed some good times by not running into him before your jaunts. Of course I have my own ideas on this but will not say them.
Surprised to hear about the scuttlebutt about you Waves getting out after two years service - You have something there in your argument with yourself, but I just wonder how satisfied you would be now back to normal with the War still going on. Maybe it would be for the best at that and as you say good jobs are hard to be had now and God only knows what will be available after this horrible mess is over.

At any rate you have done your share and then some, putting up with what you have had to with some of that outfit at Naval Air Station and I guess you know what kind I mean, but you know the censor is ever present. No I don't think you would be wise to go for Foreign Service, cause I imagine a result somewhat like you do.

Wish I had been there to laugh with you and at you when you went to the Chiropractor instead of Photographer. Of course you know I want one of those pictures, please send me one soon as they are finished.

Had a letter from Mother today, she is spending the winter with some nieces of hers in Quebec you know. She is pretty lonesome for a place of her own again and I kind of feel guilty to have left her, cause you know she always made her home with me since Dad died several years ago. She is 74, but seems to be in good health, I hope. She writes rather a pathetic letter, which is most unusual for her, cause as a general rule she at least sounds and acts cheerful, not at all like her to be down at the heels. But I know she worries a lot about me, and the long time between my news. 

Well dear, keep what you call chatter, and I call real interesting letters, coming right along. I don't know what I would do with out them. 

Love and more Love,
Henri